Key holder



March 4, 1930. E. B. DONALDSON KEY HOLDER Filed July 5, 1928 91,4 Irl'llllllllillll'fllli- Patented Mar. 4, 1930 PATENT OFFICE EDWIN B. DONALDSON, OF WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA KEY HOLDER Application filed July 5,

This invention relates to key holders and it is an object of the invention to provide a device of this kind which is compact in form to facilitate handling and which holds a the keys in a manner to permit the device to serve as a guard to substantially eliminate the liability of the holder and keys tearing a pocket when carried therein.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a device of this kind which is particularly adapted for use in connection with automobile keys and which holds the keys in amanner to prevent them from rattling and especially when a key is engaged with an ignition block or the like of a motor driven vehicle.

The invention consists in the details of construction and in the combination and arrangement of the several parts of my improved key holder whereby certain important advantages are attained and the device rendered simpler, less expensive and otherwise more convenient and advantageous for use, as will be hereinafter more fully set forth.

The novel features of my invention will hereinafter be definitely claimed.

In order that my invention may be the better understood, I will now proceed to describe the same with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein Figure 1 is a view in elevation of a holder constructed in accordance with an embodiment of my invention;

Figure 2 is a view in elevation opposite to that shown in Figure 1 with a portion omitted and keys applied thereto shown in different positions;

Figure 3 is a view in side elevation of the device as herein disclosed with keys applied thereto; Figure 4 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 4:4: of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 5-5 of Figure 3.

As disclosed in the accompanying drawing, my improved holder comprises a plate 1 substantially oval in form and of such dimensions as to project beyond the peripheral portion of the key or keys applied thereto.

50 The smaller end of the plate 1 is continued 1928. Serial No. 290,629.

by an elongated and relatively narrow tongue 2 which is returned to overlie a face of the plate 1, the inherent resiliency of the tongue 2 serving to urge the outer end of the tongue :2 away from the plate 1. The free end portion of the tongue 2 is continued by an extension or finger 3 directed toward the plate 1 and adapted to freely pass between an opening 4 provided in the larger end portion of the plate 1. The free end portion of the extension or finger 3 is rounded to provide a shank 3 and is adapted to have threaded thereon a nut or head 5, preferably of a rounded type, said head or nut 5 having a peripheral portion a milled or otherwise roughened to facilitate its manipulation.

In practice, keys K are arranged in what might be termed superimposed relation over the face of the plate 1 remote from the tongue 2 with the extension or arm 8 disposed through the conventional openings 6 provided in the heads of the keys. After the arm or extension 3 has been disposed through said openings 6 the head or member 5 is applied to the shank 3 outwardly of the keys and adjusted to have close contact with the head of the outermost key. The inherent resiliency of the tongue 8 will constantly urge the extension or arm 3 in a direction away from the plate 1 resulting in the applied member or head 5 coacting with the plate 1 to effectively clamp the keys K to said plate 1. The tension of the tongue 2 is such as to effectively hold the keys K against rattling and to maintain said keys in such position with respect to the plate 1 to facilitate the handling of the holder with the keys and to permit the same to be readily carried within the pocket of a garment. This action of the tongue 2 also serves to keep the keys from rattling when a key is engaged within the ignition lock or the like of a motor driven vehicle.

From the foregoing description it is thought to be obvious that a key holder constructed in accordance with my invention is particularly well adapted for use by reason of the convenience and facility with which it may be assembled and operated, and it will also be obvious that my invention is susceptible of some change and modification without departing from the principles and spirit thereof and for this reason I do not Wish to be understood as limiting myself to the precise arrangement and formation of the several parts herein shown in carrying out my I invention in practice except as hereinafter claimed.

I claim I 1. A key holder comprising a plate provided with an opening, a spring tongue carried by the plate and overlying a face thereof, said tongue having a free end portion provided with an arm disposed toward the plate and directed through the opening, and a head engageable with the free end portion of the arm at the side of the plate remote from the tongue. V

2. A key holder comprising a plate provided with an opening, a spring tongue carried by the plate and overlying a face thereof, said tongue having a free end portion provided with an arm disposed toward the plate and directed through the opening, and a head engageable with the free end portion of the arm at the side of the plate remote from the tongue, said tongue being integral with the plate. v 3. A key holder comprising a plate provided with an opening, a spring tongue carried by the plate and overlying a face thereof, said tongue having a free end portion provided with an arm disposed toward the plate and directed through the opening, and adjustable retaining means carried by the portion of the arm at the side of the plate remote from the tongue.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

EDWIN B. DONALDSON. 

